Namaste. My name is Rohit, and I'm a guide. I've been guiding pilgrims for eight years. Although I live in Braj, I have guided countless visitors from Varanasi to Ayodhya - both of which are some of the most sacred places in India.
The cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya are two of the strongest pilgrimage circuits in Northern India. Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, while Ayodhya is the city of Lord Rama. The great thing about these two cities is that they are so close together (only 200 km) that you could easily visit them both in a single trip, and still have energy left over.
But many people are not aware of the process involved in planning such a trip; therefore, they will either purchase multiple individual tours, pay too much for taxis, take the worst possible train options, and ultimately spend a great deal more time traveling as opposed to experiencing darshan.
This is a comprehensive guide to the top-rated tour packages from Varanasi to Ayodhya. It provides information on the various routes available, estimated cost, detailed itinerary and other relevant practical advice so you can have an enjoyable and spiritually enriching journey.
Let us begin.
Varanasi to Ayodhya – Distance and Travel Options
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Cab | 200–220 km | 4–5 hours | ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
| Train | 200 km | 5–7 hours | ₹150–₹800 |
| Bus | 220 km | 5–6 hours | ₹250–₹400 |
| Flight | No direct flights | — | — |
Important: There are no direct flights between Varanasi and Ayodhya. The fastest option is a private cab. The most economical is a train.
Best Trains from Varanasi to Ayodhya
Here are the main trains connecting Varanasi to Ayodhya.
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashi Vishwanath Express | Varanasi Jn | Ayodhya Dham | 5–6 hours |
| Ayodhya Express | Varanasi Jn | Ayodhya Dham | 6–7 hours |
| Gorakhpur Express | Varanasi Jn | Ayodhya | 5–6 hours |
| Jan Nayak Express | Varanasi Jn | Ayodhya | 6 hours |
Booking Tip: Book train tickets at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during Ram Navami and Diwali.
Private Cab from Varanasi to Ayodhya
A private cab is the most convenient option. It gives you flexibility, comfort, and door-to-door service.
| Vehicle | Capacity | Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | 2–4 passengers | ₹3,500–₹4,500 |
| MUV (Ertiga/Triber) | 4–6 passengers | ₹4,500–₹5,500 |
| Innova Crysta | 6–7 passengers | ₹5,500–₹7,000 |
| Tempo Traveller | 12–17 passengers | ₹9,000–₹12,000 |
What Is Included: Fuel, tolls, driver allowance, and door-to-door service.
Local Tip: If you are travelling with family or elders, a private cab is worth the extra cost. It saves you the hassle of station transfers and gives you rest breaks.
1-Day Express Package – ₹2,500 to ₹3,500
This is for travellers who want to cover Ayodhya in a single day from Varanasi.
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Cab | Varanasi to Ayodhya and back |
| Darshan | Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi |
| Local Transport | E-rickshaw within Ayodhya |
| Driver | Experienced local driver |
| Duration | 14–16 hours (door to door) |
Who This Is For: Solo travellers, those with limited time.
What You Miss: Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Sarayu Ghats, and the evening aarti.
2-Day Package with Hotel – ₹5,500 to ₹8,000
This is the most popular package. It gives you enough time to cover the main sites without rushing.
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | 1 night in Ayodhya (3-star) |
| Breakfast | Included |
| Private Cab | Varanasi to Ayodhya and back |
| Darshan | Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal |
| Sarayu Ghat | Evening aarti |
| Local Guide | Full-day guide in Ayodhya |
Who This Is For: Families, couples, first-time visitors.
What You Get: The complete Ayodhya experience without rushing.
3-Day Kashi-Ayodhya-Prayagraj Package – ₹9,000 to ₹12,000
This is the most comprehensive package. It covers three holy cities in one trip.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti, boat ride |
| Day 2 | Drive to Prayagraj – Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan – then to Ayodhya |
| Day 3 | Ayodhya – Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan – return to Varanasi |
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | 2 nights (1 in Varanasi, 1 in Ayodhya) |
| Breakfast | Included |
| Private Cab | Full 3-day transport |
| Guide | Local guide in each city |
| Boat Ride | Ganga boat ride in Varanasi |
| Aarti | Ganga Aarti and Sarayu Aarti |
Who This Is For: Devotees who want the complete pilgrimage, families with elders.
What Is Typically Included
| Inclusion | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Cab | Shared | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hotel | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ (4-star) |
| Breakfast | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guide | ✗ | Sometimes | ✓ |
| Darshan Assistance | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boat Ride | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aarti Viewing | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
What Is Typically Not Included
| Exclusion | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lunch and Dinner | Unless specified |
| Temple Donations | Personal offerings |
| Paid Aarti Tickets | Mangala Aarti (₹500), Shringar Aarti (₹500) |
| Personal Expenses | Shopping, tips, etc. |
| Travel Insurance | Not included |
| Train Tickets | Unless specified |
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Varanasi to Ayodhya
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Depart Varanasi by private cab |
| 12:00 PM | Arrive Ayodhya. Check in to hotel |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30 PM | Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir |
| 4:30 PM | Hanuman Garhi |
| 6:00 PM | Sarayu Ghat evening aarti |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner and overnight stay |
Day 2 – Ayodhya Sightseeing and Return
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM | Kanak Bhawan |
| 9:30 AM | Dashrath Mahal |
| 11:00 AM | Nageshwar Nath Temple |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM | Depart for Varanasi |
| 6:30 PM | Arrive Varanasi |
How to Get the Best Price
1. Book Directly with Local Operators
Local operators like Rohit's team offer better rates than national aggregators. No middlemen.
2. Travel Midweek
Weekends and festival periods see higher prices. Tuesday to Thursday is the cheapest window.
3. Book the Cab Only If You Have Hotel Points
If you have hotel loyalty points, book the cab only and use your points for the stay.
4. Avoid Peak Season
October to March is peak season. April and September offer lower rates.
5. Negotiate for Groups
Groups of 6 or more often get additional discounts.
Best Time to Travel
| Season | Verdict |
|---|---|
| October to March | Best time. Pleasant weather, full temple schedules |
| April to June | Very hot. Doable but demanding |
| July to September | Monsoon. Green, quiet, but muddy lanes |
| Ram Navami | Devotional but extremely crowded |
| Diwali | Spectacular but packed |
Recommendation: October to March. Within this window, February offers the best balance of weather and manageable crowds.
Where to Stay in Ayodhya
| Area | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Near Ram Mandir | Walking distance to main temple | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Near Railway Station | Easy train access | ₹800–₹2,000 |
| Near Saryu River | Scenic, peaceful | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Faizabad Road | Budget options | ₹500–₹1,500 |
What to Eat
| Food | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Hanuman Garhi Besan Laddu | The legendary prasad |
| North Indian Thali | At Dalmia's Saffron Vatika near Ram Mandir |
| Pure Veg Thali | At Kanak - A Pure Veg Delight |
| Street Food | Kachori, samosa, and sweets |
What to Carry
Essentials:
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Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
-
Comfortable footwear
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Water bottle
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Cash (ATMs run out during peak season)
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ID proof for darshan
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Power bank
What Not to Carry:
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Large bags
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Electronics inside Ram Mandir
-
Expensive jewellery
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Varanasi-Ayodhya round trip by cab, split 4 ways) | ₹1,000–₹1,500 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 |
| Hotel (1 night) | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Food (2 days) | ₹600–₹1,000 | ₹1,200–₹2,500 |
| Local transport | ₹200–₹400 | ₹400–₹800 |
| Total | ₹2,600–₹4,400 | ₹5,100–₹9,300 |
Note: Package prices start from ₹2,500 per person for a 1-day express tour.
Conclusion
Varanasi and Ayodhya are not just two cities. They are two chapters of the same story. Varanasi is where Shiva watches over the world. Ayodhya is where Rama ruled with justice. And when you travel between them, you are not just covering 200 km. You are travelling through the heart of Sanatan Dharma.
Choose your package. Book your cab. Carry your faith. And let the journey from Kashi to Ayodhya become one of the most meaningful trips of your life.
Jai Shri Ram. Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your Varanasi to Ayodhya Trip
For bookings, queries, and custom packages:
Call Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
WhatsApp Us: +91 7078723132 | +919557104160
Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM daily
Our Services:
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Varanasi to Ayodhya Tour Packages
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Private AC Cab for the Full Circuit
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Hotel Reservations in Ayodhya
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Local Guides for Both Cities
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Darshan Assistance at Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
